The Spice Islands

The amazing diversity that brought this beautiful region to the center of world trade brings us there to view not only the incredible history, but to sample the unique flavors and see the many species of birds and butterflies that amazed the famous naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace.

Few areas in Indonesia evoke such thoughts of mystery and of history  than the spice islands.  This remote group of islands drew many European powers with the promise of exotic spices and the wealth that they could bring.  Not surprisingly the environment that gave birth to these spices also nourishes many unique species of birds, plants and marine life.  So much so it inspired Alfred Russel Wallace to conceive  the idea of "natural selection" an honor which he shares with Charles Darwin.